Loveland, Berthoud Realtors oppose fracking moratorium

LOVELAND — The board of the Loveland-Berthoud Association of Realtors voted Wednesday to oppose Loveland's proposed moratorium on hydraulic fracturing.

In a press release, the board said "it is counter to the beliefs" of the association to support any proposition that would affect a legal right, including property, mineral and water rights.

Question No. 1 on next month's special municipal election "would deny mineral owners the ability to lawfully exercise their right," the release said.

The Realtors said no fracking operations exist in the city now, with few opportunities in the future, and "there is no data that indicates fracking is harmful to human health, the environment or property values."

The release also said the local Association of Realtors believes decisions about oil and gas development in Loveland should be made by the City Council.